Dear readers, friends, fans, and passers-by,
This is my goodbye notice!
I have written on various topics here at my favourite blog, Anything that Interests Me! and it's time to say goodbye.
Two months ago, I gave an early warning of my early retirement from blogging, and now here it is. Initially I was thinking of retiring once I had completed my MSc, but now I figure I'll just end it earlier. I've had an interesting experience, from answering many queries about how to do well in exams, from fighting off trolls (see, I can use technical words!) such as a snobbish Snob and an NBA loving, inflammatory post-posting troll, and so on. I've written on far more topics than my initial "mandate", on economics, psychology, mentalism, magic, philosophy, and the like -and have written also about general topics, government, politics, my life, London, Manchester, the UK and so much more.
However, all good things come to an end. I will still check my emails for your comments, notices and questions. My inbox is open for my fans and dear readers. I will check back once every fortnight or so though, so if you do send me an email it's going to be a two week reply timeline. Well... well. Hope you don't mind! :)
Life is very precious and there is so much in life to be appreciative about. I always think of how lucky I am, and how blessed I've been. Occasionally I grumble and complain - like any good Singaporean - but mosttimes I do realise that I have been really lucky to live in a country without natural disasters, which rewards hard work (albeit in studies and CCA, which I happen to be good at), which has given me so many opportunities and chances to see the world.
I have been really lucky also at having such good friends, people who have helped me in my econometrics and my honours thesis, and also an excellent family that have been my support and help. I have been exceptionally fortunate.
I sometimes wonder why some kids in schools are so rebellious - their parents have given them life, given them all their material goods that they have, and so on. Do they really think that they deserved all that they got? Or that if they were born in Africa, as Buffett says, "losing" the Ovarian Lottery, they would have all the good things they have? They should be thanking their lucky stars and working hard in school! Instead, they bother their teachers and classmates, and are rude to their parents. Whenever my teacher friends tell me of those rude kids, I say: Incredible!
I also wonder why some people keep on complaining about our government. Sure, they have made mistakes, and they have some flaws. I agree. But constructive criticism is better. Remember, it wasn't too long ago that we were poor, backward, and a small colony in a large empire. That was barely 70 years ago; there are people who have lived through it.
Today we take for granted that we will live past 70, perhaps past 80. We take for granted that the government will maintain racial harmony. We take for granted the political stability that other countries have shown us is never easy to come by, such as Libya and Egypt. We take peace for granted, despite the millions killed in armed conflict worldwide. We take our safe environment for granted; just last week, someone robbed someone I know of an iphone in London, and I was told that this is common.
I know even I have taken for granted that my health and energy will last. But I am extremely aware of our inherent mortality, and of the fact that health can be taken away at any time, either by capricious fortune or God. Just a major sickness and life is irreparably ruined.
This isn't a negative message; it's a reminder to be happy, contented, and always appreciative of what we have already. We can aspire for more; but be alert that life consists of more than what we want. It doesn't always give us what we want. So the fact that we can have good things is cause for celebration.
On that note - be appreciative and don't take things for granted - thanks for reading and cheers!
Goodbye, and all the best to you and me!
Take care :)
Yours truly.
Anything that interests me!
PS The other blogs, on travel, finance, universities, German, etc. will most likely be taken over by other people. Thanks for reading and cheers!
